Tablet and notebook pc carrier

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a carrier for hands-free support of tablet and notebook computers to allow use of the device while standing upright. The carriers are convertible between an in-use configuration and a carrying case configuration. The carrier features include a platform having an inner portion and an outer portion and sidewalls extending away from the outer portion such that the platform and the sidewalls together define an open-top receptacle adapted to receive a portable computer or other display device. The receptacle has at least two opposing portions for attaching or otherwise securing strap fixtures for connecting opposing ends of a user strap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/513,677, filed Oct. 24, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a carrier for portable computing devices, andin particular to carriers for tablet personal computers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Advances in electronic technology have led to the combination ofdisplays and tactile user input in a single device. This technology hasbeen further combined with the notebook computer concept to create whatare popularly called tablet computers (or tablet PCs). Tablet computersare equipped with a display capable of receiving user input through astylus or direct touch. An exemplary tablet PC is commercially availablefrom Acer America under the designation “TravelMate.”

As compared to conventional notebook computers, tablet PCs appear tooffer enhanced portability because only one hand is required for datainput. Via the input stylus, users can input data with one hand whilesupporting the tablet computer with the other hand. However, tablet PCsare too heavy to be comfortably supported in one hand for extendedperiods.

True in-use portability is likewise an issue with notebook computers.Notebook computers continue to receive phenomenal commercial success.Notebook computers offer portability with little compromise infunctionality as compared to office-bound desktop or tower computersystems. Notebook computers are not fully portable, however, in thatthey are either awkward or otherwise impossible to use while one isstanding. Even the lighter available notebook PCs are too heavy for anyuser to hold in one hand for useful periods. Moreover, efficientkeyboard entry and other cursor control (e.g., touchpad) require the useof both hands.

Devices for hands-free support of laptop computers have been proposed.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,114 to Bourque is directed to anapparatus for supporting a laptop computer while standing. The apparatusincludes a platform and a pair of supporting members each connected to astrap. U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,127 to Maddali et al. is directed to a laptopcomputer support having a planar support base with shoulder strapsattached to a leading edge of the support base and back straps attachedto a trailing edge of the support base.

Such prior designs have, thus far, not been commercially successful.Neither prior support design is simple for the user to swap on and offand neither design offers adequate peripheral protection to the computerdevice.

What is needed is a robust carrier design suitable for protecting andsupporting both tablet and notebook PCs while the user is standing.Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a carrier that is readilyconvertible between an in-use configuration and a carrying-case (orbriefcase) configuration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Carriers of the present invention provide hands-free support of tabletand notebook PCs to allow use of the device while standing upright.Notably, the carrier system of the present invention is convertiblebetween an in-use configuration and a carrying case configuration.

Carriers according to the present invention comprise a platform havingan inner portion and an outer portion and sidewalls extending away fromthe outer portion. The platform and the sidewalls together define anopen-top receptacle adapted to receive a tablet computer. The receptaclehas at least two opposing portions for attaching or otherwise securingfixtures for connecting opposing ends of a user strap.

The sidewalls are preferably an elastomeric fabric adapted to overlapthe peripheral portion of the top, displaying surface of the tablet PCor keyboard surface of a notebook PC. Although the orientation of thesidewalls may vary when the carrier is loaded with a computer, thesidewalls preferably slope inwardly towards the inner portion of theplatform when the carrier is not loaded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrier according to the presentinvention loaded with a tablet PC and in the uncovered configuration.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a computer user equipped with a carrieraccording to the present invention and showing the carrier in an in-useconfiguration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carrier in the carrying-caseconfiguration.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a carrier in the in-use position withthe stability strap deployed.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a carrier in the carrying-caseconfiguration with the user strap connected at the secondary fixture.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a carrier according to the presentinvention which is in use and loaded with a notebook PC while thestability strap is deployed.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view of a carrier according to an alternateembodiment of the present invention in which the sidewalls are aperforated mesh material.

FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic view of a carrier according to analternate embodiment of the present invention in which gaps are presentin the sidewalls.

FIG. 9 is a carrier according to an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention in which the receptacle includes clamps for securing a displaydevice.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a device clamp shown in the openposition.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a device clamp shown in the clampedposition.

FIG. 12 is a simplified schematic view of a platform subassembly havingspring-biased clamps.

FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of a carrier with an optional feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is, of course, susceptible to embodimentin many different forms. Shown in the drawings and described here indetail are preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to beunderstood, however, that the present disclosure is an exemplificationof the principles of the invention and does not limit the invention tothe illustrated embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a carrier 10 according to the presentinvention is shown with an electronic display device in the form oftablet-style personal computer 12. Tablet PC 12 has a displayscreen-stylus input combination 14. Carrier 10 includes a platform 16,sidewalls 18 and a cover 20. Platform 16 has an inner portion 22 and anouter, peripheral portion 24. Sidewalls 18 extend from outer portion 24and terminate in a distal end (or lip) 26. Sidewalls 18 and platform 16together form an open-top receptacle 28 adapted to receive a displaydevice such as tablet PC 12.

Platform 16 is planar, substantially rectangular and preferablyconstructed by enclosing a rigid or semi-rigid insert with a durablenylon fabric 30 having a canvas texture (e.g., “Cordura” type fabricfrom DuPont). Leather and simulated leather is also contemplated forplatform 16 and other parts of carrier 10. Fabric layer 30 is preferablysecured with stitching 32. A layer of foam or other padding (notseparately shown) is optionally positioned between the insert and thefabric layer 30 on one or both of the top, receptacle side 34 and thebottom, outer side 36 to provide impact resistance. Outer portion 24 ofplatform 16 terminates in an edge 38.

Sidewalls 18 are constructed to extend from outer portion 24 and slopeor bend towards inner portion 22 when carrier 10 is not loaded with adisplay device 12. When loaded with a computer or other display device,the orientation of sidewalls 18 may vary according to the relative sizeof the device. It is preferred that the size of carrier 10 and displaydevice 12 be coordinated such that distal ends 26 of sidewalls 18overlap a peripheral portion of a top surface 14 of display device 12.Whether carrier 10 is empty or loaded with a display device, sidewalls18 present a concave cross section towards inner portion 22.

Sidewalls 18 preferably comprise an elastomeric material in fabric-likeform to allow the sidewalls to form snuggly around display device 12.Sidewalls 18 also preferably comprise a compressible material to absorbimpacts and protect display device 12. An especially preferred fabric isa 2.5 mil nit-over-polychloroprene foam material commercially availablefrom Glomex, Inc. (Ontario, Calif.). Materials comprisingpolychloroprene (Neoprene—DuPont Dow Elastomers) are elastomeric andcompressible.

Sidewalls 18 are secured to platform 16 with stitching 32. A seambinding 40 overlays edge 38 of platform 14 to prevent fraying of eitherthe sidewalls 18 or platform covering fabric 30.

To address special air flow or cooling requirements for display devices,sidewalls 18 may be constructed of a perforated or mesh material 41 orhave perforated portions as shown in FIG. 7.

Returning to FIGS. 1-5, sidewalls 18 substantially frame (orcircumscribe) inner portion 22 of platform 16. Although thisfull-framing construction is preferred to completely secure displaydevice 12 within carrier 10, alternate embodiments are contemplated inwhich gaps are present in the sidewalls. For example, sidewalls may bepresent about each corner 42, 44, 46 and 48, but not fully circumscribeplatform 16 as shown in simplified schematic FIG. 8 (note sidewall gaps50).

Returning again to FIGS. 1-5, sidewalls 18 provide a plurality ofopposing sides to receptacle 28, for example, opposing sides 52A and52B, and opposing sides 54A and 54B. In this regard, the term “opposingsides” also includes opposing corners such as corners 42 and 48 andcomers 44 and 46. Receptacle 28 includes strap connection fixtures 56Aand 56B on opposing sides 52A and 52B, respectively. Strap connectionfixtures 56A and 56B include D-rings 58A and 58B secured to sidewall I 8with fabric loops 60A and 60B, respectively.

As noted, sidewalls 18 define four comers 42, 44, 46 and 48. Carrier 10includes at least one, but preferably two or more corner straps 62 and64. Corner straps 62 and 64, which may also be labeled diagonal straps,are preferably elastic strips stitched to adjacent sides of sidewall 18and platform 16. Corner straps 62 and 64 further secure display devicesto carrier 10. Although straps traversing more than two corners arecontemplated, two corner straps (62 and 64) aligned on longer side 54Bis preferred to accommodate notebook PCs.

Carriers according to the present invention have at least one pair ofopposing portions and each opposing portion has at least one fixture.For example, carrier 10 has fixture 56A on side 52A and fixture 56B onopposing side 52B. As described further below, at least one pair ofconnection fixtures are distributed on opposing portions to providestability when the carrier is suspended by a strap 66 on a user'sshoulder or neck (as best shown in FIG. 2). Strap 66 includes opposingends 68A and 68B. Each end 68A and 68B of user strap 66 has a respectiveswivel hook 70A and 70B for engaging D-rings 58A and 58B, respectively.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention includes a stability strap 72 connected between user strap 66and receptacle 28. More specifically, stability strap 72 extends betweenconnections near each opposing end 68A and 68B of user strap 66 throughloops 74 and 76 stitched to sidewall 18. As used herein, the termstability strap is a reference to a mechanical link, line, string, rope,cable or the like that is connected between the main user strap 66 and apoint on receptacle 28 such as loop 74. Stability strap 72 is removablyconnected to user strap 66 with snap couplings 78. Stability strap 72 isdeployed when carrier 10 is used to support a notebook style computer 80as shown in FIG. 6. When opened, the weight of notebook PCs is unevenlydistributed towards the back, screen side 82. The stability strap linkcounteracts this extra force towards the back 54A of carrier 10.

Carrier 10 has a cover 20 hinged to receptacle 28 and movable between acarrying-case position (FIGS. 3 and 5) and an in-use, open-receptacleposition (FIGS. 1 and 4). Cover 20 includes a main panel 84, a distalflap 88 and a hinge 90. Cover 20 is constructed of the same material asplatform 16. Main panel 84 and flap 88 each include a rigid orsemi-rigid insert wrapped in fabric. Top side 92 of main panel 84preferably includes padding between the fabric layer and the insert.Stitching 32 is used to attach hinge portion 90 to platform 16, and toattach both hinge 90 and flap 88 to panel 84.

Cover 20 is removably secured into the carrying-case position (FIGS. 3and 5) and the open position (FIGS. 1 and 4) using complementaryreleasably engageable fasteners 94 and 96. These fasteners arecommercially available from Velcro Industries B.V. (Manchester, N.H.)and other resellers under the trade designation “VELCRO.” Thesecouplings include one area having a plurality of fibers in a miniloopconfiguration (i.e., pile) and one area having a plurality of relativelystiffer fibers in a minihook configuration, also referred to herein as amultiminihook pad. The minihook area may also be labeled a burr.

Underside 36 of platform 16 has an elongate pile area 94 and flap 88 hasa complementary elongate hook area 96. In the carrying-case position(FIGS. 3 and 5), cover 20 extends over receptacle 28 and flap 88 wrapsover side 54B to mate areas 94 and 96. In the in use-position (FIGS. 1and 4), cover 20 and flap 88 are folded back to allow the same couplingareas 94 and 96.

As shown in FIG. 1, carrier 10 may include a centrally positioned tiedown strap 98 for further securing display device 12 within receptacle28. Tie down 98 is movable from a position overlaying receptacle 28(FIG. 1) to a retracted position in overlaying cover 20. When overlayingcover 20, tie down 98 serves as additional security holding cover 20 inthe folded back position. Tie down 98 has Velcro minihook material 100on each side which mates with pile material 102 on receptacle 28(FIG. 1) when deployed or pile material 104 on cover 20 (FIG. 4) whenretracted.

Strap fixtures 56A and 56B are each preferably positioned towards acentral portion of opposing sides 52A and 52B to enhance stability whendisplay device 12 is in use and carrier 10 is worn by a user (as shownin FIG. 2). Although this central positioning serves to enhancestability in the in-use position, it potentially creates instabilitywhen carrier 10 is in the carrying case position. To prevent carrier 10from wobbling or flipping when suspended from strap 66 in thecarrying-case position, the present invention provides secondary strapfixtures 104 on each side 52A and 52B. Secondary strap fixtures 104(preferably snap protrusions) removably receive couplings (preferablysnap caps) 106 on each end 68A and 68B of strap 66. As illustrated,stability strap 72 and secondary fixtures 104 share the same couplings106 on each end 68A, 68B of strap 66. When interconnected, thesesecondary couplings improve stability of carrier 10 when in thecarrying-case (or briefcase) configuration.

Another key feature of the present invention is the stylus tether 108.Conventional tablet PCs provide for a stylus 110 writing input on thedisplay screen (e.g., screen 14). Tether 108 includes a line portion 112(secured to receptacle 28) and an elastic band 114 attached to the linefor gripping the stylus 110. Tether 108 prevents misplacement of thestylus.

Shown in FIG. 9 is an alternate embodiment of the present invention.Carrier 210 includes clamps 213 for further securing the display devicesuch as tablet PC 12. FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a preferred clampingmechanism. Although such a latching clamp mechanism is preferred, moresimple spring-biased clamps 319 are also contemplated as shown in FIG.12.

Described in more general terms and returning to FIGS. 1-6, theinvention describes one or more novel means by which a tablet computer12 can be safely and snuggly held in a briefcase 10, with the screen 14exposed so that the computer 12 can be used in tablet mode (FIG. 2),without falling out of the case 10, no matter how the case is carried,within normal carrying conditions (i.e., no purposeful violent jerkingwith the sole purpose of attempting to dislodge the tablet 12 from thecase 10).

Described is a close fitting computer case 10 wherein the broad surface84 (typically about 8.5″ by 11″) that covers the surface of the screen14, when the computer is in tablet mode, can be folded back around theback and under to rest against the other broad (8.5″ by 11″) surface 16,thus being held in place there by snaps or Velcro or some other means sothat the tablet computer is now exposed for use (see FIG. 2).

The broad surfaces 16, 92 are made of canvas or a synthetic or cotton orviable material, with particle board or heavy duty plastic plateinserts, to provide protection against penetrating blows. The broadsurfaces 16, 92 and particle/hard board plastic are slightly larger thanthe actual computer tablet 12 to absorb the shock of a minor drop.

The gusset 18, or material that covers the narrow width of the tabletcomputer 12, approximately one to two inches wide, is preferentially astrong expandable material like wide elastic band or neoprene. Thisgusset 18 is sewn on to the base or back broad surface 16 of thecomputer case 10 in such a way as to provide the tightest fit possiblearound the width of the computer, so that the computer 12 has to beforced into position, inside the gusset 18 and case. The gusset 18itself is tight enough to hold the computer 12 very firmly, and thegusset 18 is at least a quarter of an inch wider than the width of thetablet computer 12 so that the elastic type material hugging thecomputer's width would extend over its edge and slightly onto the broadsurface wherein the computer screen 14 is positioned (see FIG. 1). Thiselastic gusset 18 fits very snugly and provides significant securityagainst the computer 12 falling out of the case 10, but it is stilluseful to add elements 62, 64 that will ensure that the tablet computer12 does not fall out.

The elastic type gusset 18 as well as these additional elementsrepresent unique and innovative features of the invention.

There are several different mechanisms identified herein by which thetablet computer 18 can be held inside the case 10, alone or incombination with each other. Conventional tablet computers 12 have amargin around the tablet screen 14 that is approximately ½ inch wide.Therefore any element 26 that extends over the edge of the computer 12onto the broad surface 14 is preferably limited to approximately ¼ inchon any side. Each tablet computer has a different design which may placeoperational buttons or indicators at strategic locations on this ½ inchmargin. Therefore, it is preferred that any extra element that isemployed to assist in securing the tablet computer in place take thesecomputer buttons or indicators into account and be positioned so as toavoid encumbering or blocking these computer features. Severaladditional elements are considered singularly or in combination.

Strips of elastic 62, 64 are sewn diagonally into the gusset 18 at andacross two or more corners 42, 44 to hold the computer 12 in positionand not let the computer slip out of the gusset 18 (See FIG. 1).

A two or three sided yoke can be sewn into the top edge of the gusset sothat substantially the entire periphery of the computer screen iscovered by a thin yoke, thereby holding the computer in position insidethe gusset and case. Velcro can be positioned on the inside of three orfour sides of the gusset and/or on the inside of the broad surface uponwhich the computer tablet is positioned. Complementary Velcro strips canbe provided to the user when the user purchases the case so that theuser can apply those strips to the width or underside of the computer.Thus, when the user pushes the computer into position it will be heldfirmly by the very tight gusset and the Velcro strips.

There are small binder clasps 213, substantially similar to notebookbinders, that, when fixed firmly to the particle board in the lowerbroad panel 18 (8.5″×11″), will allow the owner to lock the computer 12into place when the computer 12 is positioned inside theneoprene/elastic gusset 18. The compression lever 221 is then pushed andlocked firmly into position to apply pressure to the computer to hold itin place. Like a notebook binder, the small lever 221 is pushed torelease the binding clasp 213, and free the tablet computer 12 to beremoved from the case 10 (see FIGS. 9-11).

Spring metal clamps 319, coated with rubber or another substance tosoften the contact with the surface of the computer, can be riveted tothe base/back broad surface (or platform) 316 (8.5″×11″) with 5 to 10pounds of force on the spring coil, inside the neoprene gusset 18.Therefore the owner would place the computer 12 in position inside theneoprene cuff/gusset 18 and under the flexible spring clamp arms 323such that the computer 12 would be held by both the neoprene 18 and thespring clamps 319 (FIGS. 12).

Each of these mechanisms can have positive influences and when usedseparately or in combination, the result is a novel means by which atablet computer owner is now able to use the computer while in thecomputer case, standing, sitting, or walking.

Referring now to FIG. 13, carrier 10 optionally but preferably includesa system for retaining or otherwise storing user strap 66 when carrier10 is in the carrying case configuration but the user strap 66 is not inuse. Accordingly, carrier 10 may include retaining straps 118 forretaining user strap 66 (or other straps) onto carrier 10.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention.Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. Theinventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations asappropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practicedotherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, thisinvention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

1. A carrier suitable for supporting a tablet computer, the carriercomprising: a platform having an inner portion and an outer portion; andsidewalls extending from the outer portion; the platform and thesidewalls together defining an open-top receptacle adapted to receivethe tablet computer, the receptacle having at least two opposingportions.
 2. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewallsslope towards the inner portion.
 3. The carrier according to claim 1wherein the sidewalls are configured to overlap a peripheral portion ofa top surface of the tablet computer.
 4. The carrier according to claim1 wherein the sidewalls have a substantially concave cross-sectionfacing the inner portion.
 5. The carrier according to claim 1 whereinthe sidewalls substantially frame the inner portion.
 6. The carrieraccording to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls comprise an elastomericmaterial.
 7. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewallscomprise a polychloroprene material.
 8. The carrier according to claim 1wherein the sidewalls comprise a compressible material.
 9. The carrieraccording to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls comprise a perforatedmaterial.
 10. The carrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewallsinclude perforated portions.
 11. The carrier according to claim 1wherein the sidewalls define at least one corner and the carrier furthercomprises a corner strap for securing the tablet computer.
 12. Thecarrier according to claim 1 wherein the sidewalls are attached to theplatform by stitching.
 13. The carrier according to claim 1 furthercomprising a strap fixture on each opposed side of the receptacle. 14.The carrier according to claim 13 further comprising a user strapremovably attached to the strap fixture.
 15. The carrier according toclaim 14 further comprising a stability strap connected between the userstrap and the receptacle whereby the platform is stabilized in ahorizontal orientation with respect to an upright user.
 16. The carrieraccording to claim 13 further comprising secondary strap fixture on eachopposed side of the receptacle.
 17. The carrier according to claim 13wherein the strap fixture is a D-ring attached to the sidewalls.
 18. Thecarrier according to claim 1 further comprising a cover hingeablyattached to the receptacle.
 19. The carrier according to claim 18wherein the cover is stitched to the platform.
 20. The carrier accordingto claim 18 wherein the cover is movable from a closed-case position inwhich the open-top receptacle is covered to an in-use position in whichthe open-top receptacle is accessible.
 21. The carrier according toclaim 20 wherein the cover is secured in the in-use position with aminihook-and-pile system.
 22. The carrier according to claim 18 whereinthe cover includes a distal flap having a fastener.
 23. The carrieraccording to claim 1 wherein the receptacle includes a vent.
 24. Thecarrier according to claim 23 wherein the vent is an opening defined inthe platform or in the sidewalls.
 25. The carrier according to claim 24wherein the vent is a perforated portion of the platform.
 26. Thecarrier according to claim 1 wherein the platform is substantiallyrectangular.
 27. The carrier according to claim 1 further comprising astylus tether attached to the receptacle.
 28. A carrier suitable forsupporting a portable display device, the carrier comprising: a platformhaving an inner portion and an outer portion; and sidewalls extendingfrom the outer portion; the platform and the sidewalls together definingan open-top receptacle adapted to receive the display device, thereceptacle having at least two opposing sides, the sidewalls arestretchable to overlap a peripheral portion of a top surface of thedisplay device.
 29. The carrier according to claim 28 wherein thesidewalls substantially frame the inner portion.
 30. The carrieraccording to claim 28 wherein the sidewalls substantially frame theplatform.